Nadirsyah Hosen – On the evening of October 20, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia revealed his first cabinet after officially taking office that day, succeeding Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. It is the largest cabinet Indonesia has had since 1966.
The following day, Monday, October 21, Prabowo inaugurated it. Comprising 109 members (more than twice as many as Jokowi's), he designated it the "Red and White Cabinet," referring to the colours of the nation's flag. His huge cabinet consists of ministers, vice ministers and heads of national agencies.
Before inviting cabinet candidates to his residence last week, President Prabowo said publicly, "I want to create a strong government that will unite our multicultural society and diverse political interests,". And he admitted that "It must be a big coalition, and some will say my Cabinet is fat."
The sheer size of the 'fat' cabinet reflects Prabowo's accommodative politics. In fact, there are only two political parties outside the cabinet: the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan, PDI-P) and the Nasdem Party (Partai Nasdem).
Will this fat cabinet be agile and able to work swiftly to fulfil the people's mandate Prabowo won in the February elections?
I offer five observations.
First, while Jokowi had four coordinating ministers, or senior ministers, President Prabowo will have seven. They will play a crucial role in coordinating various government programs and policies, and they can also back up the vice president, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who has limited experience. These seven ministers can ensure that the vice president's role supporting the president's decisions is, in turn, supported by experienced leaders.
However, the presence of so many coordinating ministers may also lead to overlapping responsibilities and conflicts in decision-making. If not managed properly, it could result in confusion and inefficiency, undermining the very purpose of their establishment. It will therefore be essential for the President to maintain clear lines of authority and ensure that each minister understands his or her specific roles and responsibilities within the broader framework of governance.
Ultimately, the success of this strategy will depend on the ability of the president to leverage the expertise of the seven coordinating ministers while also establishing a strong leadership presence. It will be a delicate balance, but with effective communication and collaboration, this approach could strengthen the government's capacity to address the challenges ahead.
However, adding so many coordinating ministers clearly burdens the budget. Some coordinating ministers may not yet have offices or staff. It will take time to provide them, and that could lead to inefficiencies and delays in decision-making. Without proper resources, the coordinating ministers may struggle to perform their duties effectively, resulting in overlapping responsibilities and confusion among existing ministries. This could undermine the very goals of coordination, creating more obstacles than solutions.
Second, several ministries have been restructured and their portfolios divided. The Ministry of Law and Human Rights has been split into three: law, human rights, and immigration. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has been divided into three as well. This means that there will be positions for new Director Generals and other staff in the new ministries. The long-term effects also include changes in logos and names of ministries, as well as adjustments for regional offices and heads of departments below.
However, the work of the restructured ministries will become more concentrated. This increased focus allows for greater efficiency and productivity, enabling individual ministers to tackle tasks with a clearer mindset.
Third, some agencies are being elevated to ministries and some new agencies have been created.
The Agency for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (Badan Pelindungan Pekerja Migran Indonesia, BP2MI), for example, has been upgraded to a ministry. This transition signifies a more robust framework for addressing the challenges faced by Indonesian migrant workers. The newly established ministry aims to enhance the protection and welfare of workers abroad, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support.
By elevating the agency's status, the government is prioritizing the rights and safety of its citizens seeking employment overseas, fostering better cooperation with host countries, and implementing stricter regulations on recruitment agencies. This move could lead to improved working conditions and reduced exploitation of Indonesian workers in foreign lands.
The hajj – the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca – has also been established as a new body, the Hajj Management Agency (BPH, Badan Penyelenggara Haji), now separated from the ministry of religious affairs. The head of the Hajj agency will have the same level, power, and status as a minister. This decision underscores the importance of the Hajj pilgrimage and its management within the broader context of national governance.
The new agency will be tasked with overseeing all aspects of the hajj, ensuring that pilgrims have a safe and fulfilling journey. This elevation in status could enhance coordination among various governmental bodies, streamline processes, and improve the overall quality of services provided to pilgrims. With this new structure, the head of the BPH could play a crucial role in shaping policies and implementing initiatives that cater to the needs of millions of faithful travellers each year.
Fourth, a fat cabinet makes the bureaucratic chain even longer. The increasing number of ministers and deputy ministers, the creation of new ministries, and the restructuring of ministries' portfolios as separate institutions makes coordination among ministries more complicated. There is no secret that sectoral and institutional egos leading to rivalry between government institutions are already serious issues in government.
Adaptation and time are needed. I estimate that it would take at least six to 12 months before this fat cabinet can start working effectively, but two to three years is more realistic.
To mitigate these risks, investing in the necessary infrastructure and support systems will be crucial. Regular evaluations and feedback loops could also help in refining this structure over time, ensuring that it adapts to the evolving needs of the administration.
Ultimately, the success of this initiative will hinge on the new government's commitment to transparency and accountability, fostering an environment where cooperation is prioritized, and resources are allocated judiciously. By addressing these challenges head-on, the government can harness the potential of coordinating the ministers to drive more cohesive and effective policy outcomes.
Lastly, an overweight individual consumes large amounts of food – and the fat cabinet will too, meaning vast resources will be needed at the early stages of Prabowo's government. CELIOS, a standalone research institution in Jakarta, has projected that the fat cabinet will have an approximate cost of 1.9 trillion rupiah, not including the expenses for setting up additional offices for new ministries.
The national legislature, the DPR, which serves as both a partner and overseer of the government, must also adapt to the new ministry portfolios. This will require a thorough review of legislative responsibilities and potential adjustments in oversight mechanisms to ensure effective governance. Additionally, stakeholders will need to engage in discussions to streamline operations and enhance collaboration between the ministries, ultimately aiming for improved public service delivery.
The anticipated financial implications of the fat cabinet may also prompt calls for budget reallocations and fiscal reforms, as the government seeks to balance its priorities in light of these changes. As the new ministries take shape, it will be crucial for the DPR to monitor their performance closely, ensuring accountability and transparency in their functions.
As President Prabowo said: "The government's duty is to serve the people." Good luck and serve the people well, Sir.
Source: https://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/prabowos-fat-and-accommodating-cabinet